FAQs

Q: Why has Forest Road been selected to receive Mini-Holland funding?

A: Forest Road is an important route through the borough that provides a link into two neighbouring boroughs. There is a huge opportunity to upgrade junctions and public spaces along the road, this will not only help improve the route for bike users but provide a safer and friendlier environment for everyone.

Q: Will the proposals affect buses?

A: We want all road users to benefit from the Mini-Holland Programme including bus users. We hope to upgrade traffic signals and amend bus lanes along the road to help manage overall bus journey times.

Q: During the road works how will you manage the levels of traffic build up?

A: We will try to minimise the impact on the local area as much as possible. Where appropriate, we will put in place diversions or use temporary traffic signals to help the flow of traffic. We will be communicating with all road users to provide information whilst we carry out the improvements.

Q: How can I have my say on the scheme and how will you use my views?

A: We want to build a genuine dialogue with local residents and businesses to help inform and shape the proposals. There will be lots of opportunities for people to have their say on the scheme and we will consider comments extremely carefully and feed these into our designs where possible. Suggestions and questions can also be emailed to miniholland@walthamforest.gov.uk

Q: How will the scheme affect businesses?

A: There is a growing body of evidence from London and other cycling cities that shows people who cycle (along with public transport users and pedestrians) are loyal supporters of local shops and services. They tend to use local shops and services more frequently and spend more money per month than those travelling by car. By improving the look of the area we hope to attract new customers and increase business opportunity. Throughout the programme we will work with businesses to makes sure they can take advantage of the opportunities the proposed changes will bring.

Q: How will introducing cycle lanes improve congestion levels?

A: By putting in place better cycle lanes, people will feel more confident cycling along the road. This increase in confidence will lead to a shift in the proportion of short trips by bike instead of by car. By encouraging more people to cycle and reduce the amount of car journeys we hope to have a positive impact on congestion levels.

Q: How will car parking be affected?

A: We realise there are many issues with car parking along the road. We need to consider the car parking requirements of businesses as well as residents in the area. We will be carrying out surveys to help us with this and understand how the road can be redesigned to accommodate the best for everyone. Any changes to car parking will be part of the public consultation that we will be holding.

Q: What else are you doing for people who want to cycle?

A: The Mini-Holland Programme is delivering a whole set of measures to encourage people to cycle. This includes cycle training, cycle parking at tube and rail stations and working with businesses to encourage their staff to cycle. See our get involved pages.

Q: What benefits are there for pedestrians and other road users?

A: The scheme will improve the environment for all road users not just people who cycle. As well as junctions being upgraded to improve safety, we will be redesigning some of the public spaces along the road to help enhance the environment for local people.